The characterization and production of poly (ethylene terephthalate) polymers and fibers from titanium catalysts

PET polymers produced using titanium based catalysts were investigated and characterized. Several catalyst recipes were examine an their effects on polymer and fiber properties determined. Selected titanium and antimony catalyzed PETs were melt spun into fibers and several draw ratios were investigated. By using identical spinning and drawing conditions, directly comparable fiber samples were produced and characterized. It appears that titanium catalysts can provide practically indistinguishable alternatives to PET produced utilizing antimony catalysts. Intrinsic viscosity and thermal analysis data indicated no significant variations between the antimony acetate and titanium hydroxy acid catalyzed PET. The fibers spun from polymer gave comparable tensile testing responses. Overall polymerization time is reduced using the titanium hydroxy acid based catalyst, which improves plant efficiency. Improved stability, superior polymer color,and spinnability, confirm the superiority of this titanium catalyst platform when compared to titanium alkoxide catalyzed PET. Besides alleviating environmental concerns and lowering the polymer metal load, other issues associated with antimony catalysts, such as spinneret blockage due to build up of catalyst particles, may also be overcome.